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Water Gilding
The exercise on the following pages serves as an introduction for water gilding. For this project, I am going to gild a small simple wooden frame. All pictures on this site can be clicked on to provide a larger illustration. If you would like to follow the lesson with me, the frame is available through our online store. Please read through the entire lesson before commencement to familiarise yourself with the procedures involved. As well as the frame, you will need the following items:
- Gilders pad
- Gilders tip (preferably squirrel hair)
- Gilders mop
- Gilders knife
- Artists fitch
- Soft Bristle Brush
- Rabbit Skin Glue solution
- Made up Gesso
- Bole
- Vaseline
- A book of gold leaf
For details in making Rabbit Skin Glue solution, Gesso and Bole, please look at our Gilding Recipes section. Details on Gilders Tools and Equipment can be found here.
STEP ONE:
 Before the frame is to be worked on, it is vital to ensure that the base is in a good condition. So using grade 240 sandpaper, sand the entire frame, front and sides, and then wipe all dust of the surfaces. Don’t worry about the back, it will not be gilded. After achieving a smooth and clean surface, due to the porous nature of the timber, it will first need to be sized, or coated, with 2 thin coatings of rabbit skin glue (10-1) set 20 minutes apart with a small soft bristle Brush. This will ensure a firm and tenacious base for the application of gesso.
STEP TWO:
 Once the glue has dried, it is time to apply the gesso - recipe for gesso is found here. This frame will need approximately 8-10 coats of gesso applied to it. It is important to apply the gesso in a quick and uniform way. The gesso should be warmed up in a double boiler prior to use and be of a creamy consistency. Leaving the working container in the boiler with hot water, will ensure it retains its fluid state. Take care when applying the gesso not to introduce air bubble on the surface of the piece.
STEP THREE:
 Each successive coat of gesso will need to be applied before the previous layer has dried. This will ensure correct and firm adhesion between the subsequent coats. The first layer takes the longest to be sufficiently dry for the next coat... apx. 12-15 minutes. Each and every layer thereafter takes less and less time, as the water is absorbed by previous coats more readily.
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